Ex-Tigers broadcaster Paul Carey dies at 88

DETROIT - Former Detroit Tigers broadcaster Paul Carey, who served as the club's play-by-play man for nearly two decades, died Tuesday at age 88.

Nancy Carey says her husband died at their home in the Detroit suburb of Rochester and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease. She says he was ''the love of my life and anybody that knew him was better off for knowing him.''

"The Tigers organization is saddened by the loss of Paul Carey," the club said in a statement. "Paul was a consummate professional who had one of the most distinctive and classic broadcast voices. Paul captivated Tigers fans for 19 seasons behind the microphone including the magical 1984 World Series Championship. The Tigers family extends our sincere condolences to Paul's wife, Nancy, and his family."

Carey was also ''a consummate professional who had one of the most distinctive and classic broadcast voices," the Tigers said. He was Ernie Harwell's radio broadcast partner from 1973-91 and was behind the microphone during the Tigers 1984 World Series championship season.

In addition to his nearly two decades broadcasting Tigers games, the native of Mount Pleasant worked for several radio stations and was named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year six times.

Arrangements are being handled by Modetz Funeral Home.